Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in the UK Capital
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, London. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Understanding Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, blending custom, rigorous training and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest involves two competitors – known as rikishi – competing within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.
Traditional ceremonies are performed both preceding and following every match, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
Traditionally before a match, an opening is made in the center of the ring then filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole is closed, enshrining inside divine presence. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp and clap to drive off bad spirits.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London from Wednesday, 15 October through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament was staged beyond Japan in the sport's history.
Explaining the reasoning for the international competition, sumo leadership stated the intention to share to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of Japanese culture internationally.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are straightforward. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed from the ring or makes contact with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Matches can conclude almost instantly or continue several minutes.
There exist two main fighting styles. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in multiple combat styles and can adapt to their opponents.
Sumo includes dozens of victory moves, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps. This diversity of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.
Weight classes are not used in sumo, making it normal to observe wrestlers with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than physical attributes.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Professional rikishi live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a head trainer.
Everyday life of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a protein-rich preparation designed for weight gain – and an afternoon nap.
Typical rikishi consumes between six to 10 bowls per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption are documented.
Rikishi intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage during matches. Despite their size, they possess remarkable flexibility, quick movements and explosive power.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a distinctive existence in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking determines earnings, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.
Competitive standings get determined by results in six annual tournaments. Wrestlers with winning records advance, unsuccessful ones descend in standing.
Before each tournament, updated rankings are released – a ceremonial list displaying all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
At the summit exists the rank of Grand Champion – the pinnacle position. These champions embody the spirit of sumo – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, primarily from Japan.
Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels in recent times.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.
